Middle East Near You

Gaza prepares for massive demonstration on 30 March

Head of the Political Bureau of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh makes a speech during a conference on 18 September, 2018 in Gaza City, Gaza [Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency]

March 21, 2019 at 11:06 am

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said that his movement is preparing for a massive demonstration on the occasion of Land Day, which marks the first anniversary of the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege, the group’s official website reported.

During a speech, Haniyeh said: “In light of preparing for a massive demonstration, the Israeli occupation does not have any choice except accepting the demands of our people, on top of which is ending the siege.”

He added: “The Palestinian people will remain steadfast against the threats posed to the Palestinian cause which needs national unity.”

The Hamas chief added that the occupation “will not succeed to stop the revolution of the Palestinian youths who insist on defending Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Palestinian lands.”

“Despite all the hardships inflicted on Gaza, it still able to contain all the unexpected conspiracies aimed to destablise it and regain security chaos.”

On 30 March 2018, Palestinians launched the Great March of Return to demand an end of the 12-year siege imposed by Israel on the enclave and a return to the homes their families were forced out of to make way for the creation of the state of Israel.

More than 250 Palestinians have been killed in the protests and tens of thousands have been injured as a result of Israel’s use of force to disperse the unarmed protesters. The UN has repeatedly condemned Israel’s use of snipers against the protesters and said some of the actions could amount to “war crimes”.

Palestinians along the Gaza-Israel border reaffirm the ‘Right of Return’ and get shot by IOF – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

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